1Now I Paul am personally exhorting you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ. On the one hand, when present with you I am base; but on the other hand, when absent I am bold toward you. 2But I am beseeching you so that, when I am present, I may not have to be bold with the confidence with which I intend to show boldness toward some, who think that we are walking according to the flesh. 3For although we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 4For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the overthrowing of strongholds, 5Casting down vain imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought into the obedience of Christ; 6And having a readiness to avenge all disobedience, whenever your obedience has been fulfilled.

7Are you looking at things according to their appearance? If anyone is persuaded in his own mind that he is Christ's, let him reconsider this concerning himself; for exactly as he is Christ's, so also are we Christ's. 8For even if I should boast somewhat more concerning our authority, which the Lord has given to us for your edification and not for your destruction, I shall not be put to shame 9In order that I may not seem as though I am frightening you by means of epistles. 10"For on the one hand," they say, "his epistles are weighty and strong; but on the other hand, his bodily presence is weak, and his speech is contemptible." 11Let such a one think about this: that exactly as we are in word by epistles when we are absent, so we will be in action when we are present.

12But we dare not join ranks with or compare ourselves with those who are commending themselves; for those who measure themselves by themselves, and compare themselves with themselves, have no understanding. 13Now we will not boast of things beyond our measure, but according to the measure of the rule that God has distributed to us, which extends even to you. 14For we are not stretching beyond our measure, as if we did not extend to you (for we also came to you with the gospel of Christ). 15We are not boasting in things beyond our measure, such as other men's labors; but we have hope that when your faith is increased, we will be abundantly enriched by you according to our rule of faith, 16In order to preach the gospel to the regions beyond you, and not to boast in things made ready in another man's territory. 17But the one who is boasting, let him boast in the Lord. 18For the one who is approved is not the one who commends himself, but the one whom the Lord commends.